Hour-by-Hour: Our Plummet to Subzero Temperatures

The good news is we’re closer to spring than we are to the beginning of winter but that’s not going to help us much over the next few days.

Already a rain and snow storm is forecast for Saturday into Sunday, which could add even more accumulation to the existing weight on roofs.

But right now we’re dealing with record cold and a brutal shot of cold air that will impact the area this evening and into most of Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory from midnight to 12 p.m. Friday as “hazardous wind chills” could reach 20 below zero, the weather service cautions.

Enjoy the early afternoon today as it will feel downright balmy at 20 degrees, with winds making it feel like 4 degrees, compared to what it will be tonight. It only gets worse, and progressively worse.

Here’s what to expect in Windsor Locks and East Windsor via weather.com:

• 2 p.m. 20 degrees, feels like 4 degrees
• 5 p.m. 17 degrees, feels like zero degrees
• 8 p.m. 10 degrees, feels like 7 below zero
• Midnight 4 degrees, feels like 14 below zero
• 6 a.m. 1 below zero, feels like 20 below zero
• 8 a.m. 1 degree, feels like 16 below zero

It’s not expected to feel like above zero until 2 p.m. on Friday.

Stay safe in the cold

Follow these extreme cold safety tips:

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves.
• Wear water-repellent clothing.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Make sure small children, infants, and the elderly stay warm. They are more vulnerable to the cold.
• Take advantage of warming centers, public park facilities, and heated stores and malls.
• Where possible, try to keep one room in your home heated to 68-70 degrees.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high energy foods and drink warm beverages.
• Beware of overexertion; shoveling snow or pushing disabled cars can be very strenuous and should only be done by individuals in good health.
• Safe heating tips
• Electric heaters can be hazardous and should be used with caution to prevent shock, fire, and burns. Follow the usage instructions carefully and keep clothing and blankets away from heating elements.
• Carbon monoxide can kill. Be careful using fireplaces; make sure flues are clear and properly ventilated.
• Gas ovens, burners, and charcoal should never be used to heat your home.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
• Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
• Maintain a storm kit in your car with items such as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
• Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car’s ability, don’t travel.
• Tell someone about your travel plans.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.